Christmas at the Anatole is a sweet Dallas tradition for your holiday bucket list. Get whisked away to Peppermint Park for memories that will last them (and you) a lifetime.

Thank you to the Hilton Anatole for allowing us to experience the Christmas at the Anatole and this sponsored post.

The Hilton Anatole has long been a place for our family to create memories.

Taylor’s Birthday at Jade Waters, our first family “fancy” dinner at SER, and many Christmases with Santa and Mrs. Claus. So rolling in through with revolving doors this year, with an 11-year-old and an 8-year-old, I thought this year, might be our last.

Had the magic of waking up for breakfast with Santa or the sparkle of sipping hot chocolate outside as we strolled around a few holiday-themed booths?

However, as we walked through the entryway of Peppermint Park, I could see the sparkle in both of their eyes. And by the end of the trip of our quick escape to the Hilton Anatole they both had already begun making plans for next year when we come.

That’s why this sweet Dallas tradition is a must for your holiday bucket list.

What to Expect at Peppermint Park

Upon check-in we begun our stay with a special cookies and cocoa reception including meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Then we headed outside directly to Peppermint Park to check out the activities. Immediately as we were greeted by the crackling fire and carolers, I could see and feel all the warm and fuzzies, especially as walked into this precious, pint-sized “Christkindl” holiday market under the stars. Next we spent more than three hours outside having a ball as we sang, played games, made crafts, took TONS of photos, and laughed a lot. And we didn’t even do everything there… the night we went, there were no lines and we just went from one activity to another enjoying ourselves all night.

Peppermint Park Activities

Christmas Tree Lighting

Sweet Treats – Funnel Cake, Cookies, S’mores, and much more

Selfie Station

North Pole Miniature Golf

Holiday Train Ride – Roll around the Park in this miniature train

Cookie Decorating

Teddy Bear Factory

Santa Letter Writing at the Elf Post Office

Face Painting

Snow Globe Photo

S’mores around the fire with caroling

Holiday Marionette Show

Mini Escape Room – 12 minutes of perfect-timed fun

Multiple Singing and dancing stations

and more.

For dinner we voted for room service was the best option for us so we could eat in the bed (not to mention who doesn’t love good room service like they have here (the food is rather extraordinary!) However, while we waited, my son and I spent some time together walking around, taking a selfie next to one the many photo experiences and headed to the CounterOffer, the 24-hour grab and go. With coffee, wine, salads, soups, pizza, sushi and some of the best sweet confections, we loaded up on a carefully created Yuletide Log and a gigantic Christmas tree cupcake and headed back to the room to eat. Later once we had full bellies, we put on our jammies to enjoy the Christmas movie theatre for holiday shows, popcorn and concessions made just for families and quickly afterwards to our room to get some shut eye before breakfast with the big guy.

The next morning we woke up, donning our holiday pjs (attire is up to you) for breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. I’m glad we had elastic pants because the buffet was spectacular. There was a pancake station, made-to-order Chilaquiles, egg casserole, oatmeal station, cinnamon rolls and a hot chocolate, coffee and juice bar…it was so good. But honestly still the best part was Santa and Mrs. Claus came to the table to say hello and snap that holiday shot! As we stuffed ourselves, Santa took his chair and began to read a story to all the kids (little and big.)

But as we started to get our belongings together, including our new holiday bears we built at Peppermint Park and the loads of goodies we made that night so we could head back home the kids asked if they could please, please, please come back next year.

Holiday bucket list moment achieved.

If you’re heading to the Hilton Anatole for Christmas at the Anatole, here are a few tips to make it the best moments.

Best Tips for Christmas at the Anatole

Go with the VIP Package – it makes it easy to enjoy everything!

VIP Holiday Package Include:

One Standard Guest Room, late check-out 3 pm

Valet parking for one vehicle

Meet & Greet Reception with Santa and Mrs. Claus on day of arrival with one complimentary 5×7 photo with Santa and Cookies and Refreshments

Breakfast with Santa for up to 2 adults and 2 kids on day of departure

Be Wardrobe Ready

Between meeting Santa, going outdoors for Peppermint Park, holiday movies, and breakfast with Santa, there were several things to be prepared for (especially if you’re planning to take photos of it.) Make sure to pack what you need for those moments, both indoors and out. However, Peppermint Park does have jackets, sweaters, hats, and other great gifts if you happen to forget!

Don’t Just Watch, Do

This is where I think we all need a reminder as parents. We’re so used to taking our kids to events and being spectators. However, at Peppermint Park you can have fun with them! Play the golf, peek in the Escape Room scuttle hole, sing the carols – it’s all about making memories with your children.

Know How to Dine

There are multiple options for dining at the Hilton Anatole, so there are several options that can work for whatever experience you’re looking for with your family.

SĒR Steak + Spirits

Media Grill + Bar

Counter Offer

Terrace Breakfast Café

Gossip Bar

Room service

Don’t Forget the Unschedule Activities

There are plenty of opportunities to make your own holiday memories that aren’t on the schedule at Christmas at the Anatole. Walk around and take photos throughout the hotel, take time to talk at dinner, wear the PJs, and sing the songs!

Visit the official Hilton Anatole website for more information about Christmas at the Anatole.

For more there’s nothing more classic Christmas than Robert Earl Keen. Celebrate Christmas his way with this mamachallenge.com exclusive and get your tickets to a “Countdown to Christmas” in Fort Worth, Dec. 30 at Bass Performance Hall.

“Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on

Make margaritas when the eggnog’s gone

Send somebody to the Quik Pak Store…

We need some icing and extension cords…”

Growing up this song describes my family Christmas to a tee I heard it the first time, but more so it would be the first of many R.E.K. lyrics that would become our anthems growing up in small town Texas. As I look back at those big memorable moments in my life, Robert Earl Keen is often the soundtrack.

So when asked if I would like to talk with the Texas singer/songwriter to chat about his upcoming show at Bass Performance Hall featuring my favorite Christmas song,“I kinda fanned out. A LOT. You have no idea how big of a dork I acted.

But after I gained my composure and a few minutes into chatting with Robert Earl Keen (always by his full name because it never sounds right saying it any other way), like his songs, I’m calmed and collected, and brought to my happy place.

(PC: Robert Earl Keen)

That and that just listening to hi say anything reminded me of all the stories he shares before he belts into one of his own songs…The same stories that have connected him to audiences for decades. Except this time, was my own moment…

And like you’d hope and expect, everything about him is just what I thought: a good ole boy that’s thankful each time he heads to the stage to do what he loves, his way. A man, I would find out, spends his life pretty normal in Kerrville, Texas where he describes it as a lot like “Leave it to Beaver.” Except quite possibly the way he actually spends his Christmas.

“I’m known for my making homemade personalized pizzas on Christmas Eve,” he shared when asked how close his Christmas is to the song that was released in 1994. “Everyone comes over and I spend hours making 20 or so pizzas for all my friends and family,” he continued. “Then on Christmas Day we eat Lasagne.”

While I didn’t expect the Italian twist, REKs own personal Christmas tradition encapsulates his own way of authentic, “real way” of sharing much like the recent $55M fundraiser he played in this September “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief” with George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and tons of celebrities taking donations over the phone or as the headliner on October 21 for Deep From The Heart Concert at Texas A&M University hosted by former living U.S. Presidents performing alongside Alabama, Cassadee Pope, Lady Gaga and more.

Yes, it was as perfect as it gets,” he shared. “The music was just stellar.”

But as star-studded as that evening was, it’s the less than red-carpeted evenings I had to know more about.

“So Robert Earl Keen, is “Merry Christmas from the Family” real or is it just a fun song that all the words came together to make it a hit?” I bravely asked finally.

He took a deep breath and began his story in only the way REK could, began to share how the “Christmas song,” a song that would become the impetus for the Christmas production many years later, came to be.

“Right before Christmas, to amuse myself, I just wrote about Christmas just off hand, with these words of my experiences in Houston growing up that I had in the back of my head,” he began. And in 20 minutes, it was done, so I just put it in my back pocket. Then one day I was sharing some music to production guy and it wasn’t going great. Then the guy asked ‘Well, is that all you got?’ I was pretty frustrated so I just started to play it…and he said ‘That’s the best song you have here.’ And that was the tipping point.”

(PC: Robert Earl Keen)

While “Merry Christmas from the Family” is one of REKs most popular songs so much so that he actually had to put a “Linen Rule” on when he plays it, “Coming Home” stands as his own possible favorite (as well as mine.) But when it comes to Christmas tunes, he shared “O Holy Night” is one of his all time favorites as well as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

And the Town this Santa is coming to is what Keen calls ‘his favorite city in Texas’ – Fort Worth.”

And the Town this Santa is coming to is what Keen calls “his favorite city in Texas,” Fort Worth, for his one-night performance of the “Fam-O-Lee Back to the Country Jamboree.” The show is described as it “brings visions of sugar plums, elves and maybe a cow or two while families bond with those closest to them at what is sure to become a favorite, non-stop laughing, holiday tradition!”

But honestly, Robert Earl Keen has long been a holiday tradition for many of us for a long-time now.

There’s tons to do in Dallas and Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our favorites is outdoor fun, culture, and history all in one at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, plus there’s gluhwein. (’nuff said.)

I’m a gal that loves to travel. But with kids in tow and Christmas craziness happening, it’s hard to think there’s time for that. But I found the way to Germany and all you need to do is head to the ballpark (Globe Life Park that is.)

All of these fun events and activities are in my backyard, but if you don’t live in Texas, then you probably only associate Arlington with America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Did you know it’s home to some of the most magical holiday experiences, too?

Texas Christkindl Market, the largest open-air market in the Southwest, is not your typical holiday fair. It’s inspired by German tradition and features holiday gifts, decorations, and of course, German food. More than 25 vendors are found up and down the market with great giftables like jewelry, ornaments and little German trinkets like cuckoo clocks. Plus, it is the only place in the Southwest where you can find handcrafted gifts and collectibles straight from exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

This is heaven for shoppers or just people who like to collect festive holiday items, but if shopping isn’t your cup of tea, there’s much more:

SPECIAL EVENTS NOT TO MISS AT THE TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Tree Lighting and Opening Ceremonies -­ Nov. 29 at 7 pm

Kicking off the 2019 Market, the community is invited to welcome the beautiful Christkindl Angel at the Opening Ceremonies on Nov. 29. The angelic namesake of the event, the Christkind opens the market, sharing German holiday traditions and stories. Special guests are invited to join the Angel as she lights up the live 30-ft. Concolor Fir Christkindl Tree, presented by Viridian DFW by Johnson Development, opening the Market for a successful 24 days.

Ice Skating in the North Plaza

Take to the ice with 5,000 sq. ft. of frozen fun produced by Ice Rink Rinks! Take a spin on our outdoor ice skating rink, which will be open through Jan. 12, 2020, and create magical memories with family and friends.

Warming Haus

Enjoy the comforts of warm, covered seating in the Warming Haus as a cozy place to enjoy eating your gingerbread or catching up with an old friend. The Warming Haus is an ideal destination to warm up by enjoying seasonal beverages including beer, Kinderpunsch and Glühwein in custom-collectible mugs (while supplies last.) After the refreshments, head back to the ice rink for a classic holiday experience with friends and family. For information on hosting private events and meetings, please email [email protected].

Kinder Club

Before heading to see St. Nikolaus, children are invited to write a letter (or download a special template) at the Kinder Club online at: https://www.txchristkindlmarket.com/kinder-club/kids-downloads/. Letters should be dropped at the Warming Haus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas and put it in the specially marked mailbox to receive a personal response from St. Nikolaus himself (with a little help from the Texas Rangers Women’s Club.)

St. Nikolaus

There’s nothing more legendary than a visit with St. Nikolaus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington! Every child is invited to meet St. Nikolaus to share their special requests and photography packages may be purchased starting at $19.95.

After all of the carousel rides and snow fights, you’ll probably work up quite an appetite for some authentic German cuisine – roasting nuts, brats, potato pancakes, funnel cakes and gluhwein / spiced wine (my personal favorite.) And you can enjoy all of this yummy food in the comfort of the Warming Hut or while listening to one of the acts musical acts that are scheduled throughout the market. Just be careful – we don’t need anyone roasting in a warming hut.

The best part about all of this – admission and parking are FREE! Located near Globe Life Field and Texas Live! in the North Plaza, The Texas Christkindl Market is open daily, Nov. 29 until December 22. For more information on vendors, activities and a full schedule of entertainment, click here.

Looking to celebrate the holidays? In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex we’re lucky to have so many to experience but here’s our shortlist of Must-Do Holiday Events in DFW!

Check back often: This list will update throughout the season.

Ready for the holidays? Don’t worry, they’re already here, so get ready.

And in the DFW metroplex, from Fort Worth to Dallas, Arlington to Plano, Grand Prairie to Grapevine (and of course everything in between), there are plenty of great ones to choose from every day of the week. However, there are a few events that you need to have on your must-do, must-go, must-see list for the holidays in 2019! (And make sure to look as some of these have giveaways too!)

1. The Trains at Northpark

Northpark Center / Nov. 16- Jan. 5, 2020

Prices: Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $4 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $7, while children under 2 are admitted for free. The exhibit closes for Christmas and Thanksgiving, also closing early for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Celebrating its 20th year, The Trains at NorthPark have been a holiday tradition for many families (you can spot them through the mall sporting their PJs as they head to the exhibit!) Benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) , and presented by Bank of Texas, The Trains at NorthPark features 750 railcars on a 1,600-foot elaborate configuration of tracks and scenes. The largest miniature train track in Texas, the Trains at NorthPark features cityscapes like Dallas, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Other highlights include New England’s fall foliage, the Grand Canyon, Garden of the Gods, Mount Rushmore and Route 66. The charming exhibit has been seen by around two million since its original run over 30 years ago. (As you can see here from 2013, we’re big fans!) Get the details.

2. Texas Christkindl Market

Arlington / Nov. 29 – Dec. 22

Prices: Free to visit

It’s a German Christmas at the Texas Christkindl Market and this year it is bigger and better than ever! This delightful, FREE, family-friendly market, inspired by the cherished German tradition, features holiday gifts, decorations, entertainment, food and this year ICE SKATING. Holiday shoppers will enjoy exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany, as well as more than 25 holiday vendors including authentic German foods and even gluhwein or kinderpunch for the littles. Get the details.

3. SnowDay Dallas

Tickets range $30 for adults, children under 3 are admitted free. $1 of every ticket benefit Children’s Medical Center.

Self-described as a “holiday dipped and peppermint flipped immersive experience,” SnowDay is new to 2019 and new to Big D. Guests will navigate their way through an imaginative wonderland of festive photo ops, enchanted rooms, interactive spaces, and nostalgic moments with photo booths integrated throughout the exhibit. Release says you may even meet up with Santa or his elves. Get the details.

4. Christmas at the Anatole

Hilton Anatole / Begins Nov. 29

Rates and prices range based on activities.

When it comes to having some real face-time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas at the Anatole is the perfect place. The legendary hotel transforms into a winter wonderland complete with festive décor, Santa fun, Elf School and Peppermint Park with all kinds of kids activities like a train ride, cocoa, tree lighting and more. But waking up with Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus might be the icing on the Christmas cookies! Make a weekend of it with a stay at the hotel which includes a holiday movie night or try to snag one of the select opportunities for Breakfast with Santa only. Either way, you’ll make some great memories! Get the details.

5. Prairie Lights

Joe Pool Lake / Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve (hours vary)

Prices start at $45 per car. (Splurge on the other activities for a full night of fun with the fam.)

Long one of my favorite of displays in DFW, Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie is well worth the time and money! There is such much even beyond two miles of lit paths and four million lights, it’s a whole night of fun for the kid in all of us. The experience includes not only the drive-through display, but a Holiday Village with free rides, delicious holiday fare, a marketplace and of course, Santa. There’s even a special Holiday Magic theatrical show and a Walk-Through Forest (for an added cost), so you can keep the spirit of Christmas going all night long! Get the details.

6. Holiday at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum / Nov. 9 – Dec. 31, 2019

Prices range with activities (some activities included with admission.)

Holiday at the Arboretum features the return of the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, as well as almost 1 million lights throughout the garden at night, trimming the architecture of the historic homes and lighting the canopies overhead—including a 30-foot-tall tree. But that’s just the beginning! You can snag a kiss under the mistletoe, get a glimpse of Santa and a real reindeer, have tea, and much more. There are activities available both morning and nights, throughout the week and the weekends so make sure to check the schedule to get your favorites. Get the details.

7. ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center / Nov. 9 – Jan. 1, 2019

Rates and prices range based on activities.

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, you won’t find more ice and snow than at the Gaylord Texan for their annual Lonestar Christmas! From its ICE! at the Gaylord Texan exhibit with 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice inside the 9 degree, 14,000 sq.-feet exhibit, outdoor ice skating, Snow Tubing, you’ll get your fix. Looking for something a little warmer? Decorate your own gingerbread house or breakfast at Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas, you can Christmas to your heart’s content. Once your all Christmased out, stay the night for a full holiday hotel experience. Get the details.

8. Robert Earl Keen’s Countdown to Christmas

Bass Performance Hall / Dec. 30

Tickets starting at $55.

Oh, if there’s a Christmas song to sum up our Christmas, I’ll admit it’s Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.” One of my all-time favorite Texas legends (he was one of my first concerts and many more have followed), REK and his band kick up Christmas favorites with his own sound of storytelling, bluegrass and always lots of fun. And where else would you want to enjoy him than in Cowtown for a little Christmas fun. Get the details.

9. Holiday and Tree Lighting at Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas / Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 (dates and times of events vary)

Free

Galleria Dallas celebrates the holiday season with tree lightings, ice skating performances, kids events (like Slappy’s Holiday Circus), Chanukah Menorah Lighting and of course, SHOPPING. But it’s the tree lighting (referred to as the Illumination Celebration featuring world-class ice skaters and Missile Toes, the ice-skating, back-flipping, pyrotechnic Santa, along with local children performing, a countdown to a fireworks finale and the lighting of the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree that make the magic of Christmas come alive.(Believe me, I’ve spent many years doing this and you won’t be disappointed, but come early to get a good spot on one of the the levels.) AND new this year, Santa has made it even easier to be able to see him without all the lines with a new reservation system. When guests arrive, they are met with their own elf to take them through Santa’s Village before they meet up with Santa for the big picture moment! Get the details.

10. Vitruvian Lights

Vitruvian Park in Addison / Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, 2020

Free / Parking $10

The most dazzling and spectacular time of the year is here! Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights. Walk through the park to view the lights, gourmet food trucks, sweet treats, FREE photos with Santa, classic holiday characters, elf balloon artist, and Metrocrest Services Donation Drive plus live music! Get the details.

(Photo credit: Visit Addison Facebook)

11. Gift of Lights

Texas Motor Speedway / Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2020

Tickets start at $30.

Head to Texas Motor Speedway for the Gift of Lights. There you will see a fantastic light show, travel to Santa’s Village where you will meet Santa and experience what Christmas is like at the North Pole. First responders and military also get a special gift with a free 5 x 7 photo in Santa’s Village. Get the details.

12. Holiday in the Park

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington / Nov. 23-Jan. 6, 2020

Tickets vary.

If you’re looking for holiday thrills you’ll find them at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas. Discover a winter wonderland filled with more than 1 million lights holiday attractions including a snow hill, visits with Santa, sing-a-longs, holiday shows and don’t forget the treats (s’mores!) At the Merry Marketplace grab a few holiday gifts filled with holiday treats, shopping, and photo opportunities.

13. Daystar Christmas

Daystar / Nov. 28 – Jan. 5, 2020

Free admission

I can’t believe for so many years I didn’t know about this event, but I’m so glad we do now! A beautiful, intimate way to spend the holidays together looking at lights and the life-size nativity scene, Daystar Christmas is even adding a massive drive-thru tunnel stretching 950 ft. with more than 11,000 Lights. There’s amazing backdrops for photos, there are visits with Santa and there’s even a coffee shop that you can visit with sweets, cocoa and more. Get the details.

15. SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

Grapevine Mills / Various dates and times through Dec. 21

Price is included with regular admission

Celebrate the holiday season and see Scuba Diving Santa, along with his elf, make a jolly appearance in a water wonderland at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium amongst sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, fish and other marine life, with special holiday dive shows and other festive activities. The feature of this adventure is the Scuba Diving Santa Experience: a dive show like no other with a jolly red-suited diver, beard and all, along with his elf as they take the plunge in a magical dive show amongst the fish, sharks and stingrays in SEA LIFE Grapevine’s 160,000-gallon ocean tank. Pose for pictures and find out if Scuba Diving Santa thinks you’ve been naughty or nice. Get the details.

16. Holiday Sip and Shop

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens / Dec. 14

Prices: Free to shop. Photos with Santa are $10. Holiday Tea is $45 for adults and $35 for children.

First Sip and Shop of the season is just one of the Christmas events taking place on December 14 at BRIT and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Get your last-minute shopping done at our local artisan market featuring handmade goods for purchase including beautiful ceramics, botanical jewelry, various artwork, home décor, bath and body products, sweets and treats, and much more! Santa will be in the garden for photos ($10). If you want to elevate the day even further you should participate in the Holiday Tea. Reservations required. Get the details.

(photo credit City of FW )

17. GM Financial Parade of Lights

Sundance Square / Dec. 24

The 37th edition of this Downtown Fort Worth signature event, is themed, “The Sounds of the Season,” and will feature music throughout the parade. Kick off the holiday season watching the 100+ floats as they make their way around downtown. Head Downtown early in the day for activities, food and holiday shopping before The Parade of Lights. This year, you can enjoy the 65 foot Christmas tree in Sundance Square before the parade. Get the details.

(Photo credit GM Financial Fort Worth Parade of Lights)

18. Dallas Holiday Parade

Dallas / Dec. 7

Prices: Free or you can have premier seating

After 31 years the Dallas Holiday Parade is stronger than ever for its 32nd annual event! Featuring booming marching bands, iconic characters, spirited floats and larger-than-life balloons. Be a part of the magic and give your children a holiday to remember. Pro Tip: Take the Dart. Get the details.

(photo credit Holiday Dallas Parade)

19. Dallas Zoo Lights

Dallas Zoo / Nov. 15 – Jan 5

Prices: $17 for adults and $14 for youth and seniors.

After the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights illuminating the Zoo throughout the holiday season. Discover realistic silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals, plus even more light displays and festivities for the entire family!

Dallas Zoo Lights Activities:

Holiday Light Show

Santa meet-and-greet

Nature ornament-making activity

Nightly musical performances throughout ZooNorth

Rainbow Arch

Whimsical African watering hole at Lantern Ridge

Santa’s Sleigh photo op

Elves’ Workshop at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo with Animal Encounters every 30 minutes

Highland Park / Dec. 5

Prices: Free

Experience the magic of the holidays at Highland Park Village’s Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll featuring spectacular live performances, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, exclusive store promotions, and special activations with community charity partners. For one evening only, sip and shop under the lights at historic Highland Park Village, Dallas’ landmark shopping and dining destination, during extended hours. Get the details.

TheParks at Arlington Mallhas partnered with Mattel to introduce a new holiday adventure that will be memorable for the entire family. Santa’s Toy Factory will open on Nov. 11 in the center court area of the shopping center.

To be honest every year I telling Santa (or grandma and grandpa) what to get the kids for Christmas and I don’t even know what they are! Not that Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, and Thomas & Friends™ or Santa ever disappoint (as all of them are always on the top of my kids’ Christmas list), but wouldn’t it be great to find out how a toy works or see if your kids really like it before it makes the FINAL CHRISTMAS LIST?

More about Santa’s Toy Factory:

Santa’s Toy Factory is designed to empower creativity through an interactive, immersive experience to meet Santa. Within the 1,600 square-foot space, young guests will have the opportunity to “test” new toys in Santa’s Factory before they get delivered to all the boys and girls on Christmas morning. After they “test” the toys, they visit different stations to digitally design, build and paint toys from Mattel’s iconic brands including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, and Thomas & Friends™. The grand finale, of course, will be meeting Santa himself for photos and to share their holiday wish list.

“We are proud to be partnering with Mattel to bring this new, one-of-a-kind holiday concept to life,” said Lorie Lisius, general manager of Parks at Arlington. “We are always looking for ways to introduce new brands and experiences to our community and can’t wait to showcase Santa’s Toy Factory this holiday season. We know our guests will embrace it.”

The experience with Santa’s Toy Factory is free-of-charge and photo packages begin at $39.99. To make reservations to ensure quicker access, please click HERE. If you’d like more information, please visit www.VisitSantasToyFactory.com. Parks at Arlington is located at 3811 South Cooper and is home to a plethora of high-quality tenants including H&M, Aveda and Dickey’s BBQ.

Get Social with Parks at Arlington

Get Social with Mattel

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Bloggin’ Mamas & GGP Parks at Arlington to share these free family events with my readers, and am being compensated for this partnership. All opinions expressed are my own.

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